On board MS EUROPA from Mexico City to Tahiti

Gems of the South Sea

Against the paradisiacal backdrop of beautiful islands, you will find pure relaxation in the lagoons of the South Sea: enjoy spending some carefree hours on the white beaches of Moorea or dive into the dazzling underwater world of French Polynesia. Make some fascinating acquaintances in the jungle, where you will be inaugurated into the traditional way of life of the village dwellers. Let the charm of the South Sea work its magic.

Itinerary

Mexico CityJourney through the countryside with lunch to Acapulco for embarkation on the EUROPAAcapulco/Mexico, 21.00 hrs Departure

Acapulco/MexicoStart your cruise a little earlier and discover the Highlights of Mexico City or the Land of the Mayas on the pre-cruise programme*.

Fri, 24.01.2014

Relaxation at sea

Sat, 25.01.2014

Puerto Vallarta, 7.00 hrs – 17.00 hrs

Puerto Vallarta/MexicoLiz Taylor fell in love with this city in the 1960s, making it world-famous. You, too, can succumb to the charm of the historic colonial city* on a walk through its narrow cobblestone streets. On a visit to an art gallery, you can find out about modern Latin American art at first hand. Discover the natural wonders of Mexico* on a trip through the countryside to San Sebastian. Amongst the copper vats and oak barrels of a tequila distillery, you can follow the traditional process for producing Mexico’s national drink from blue agave hearts.

Sun, 26.01.2014 - Fri, 31.01.2014

Relaxation at sea

Sat, 01.02.2014

Taiohae, 8.00 hrs – 20.00 hrs

Taiohae/Nuku Hiva/Marquesas Islands/French Polynesia“Grassy cliffs, several hundred feet high with countless little waterfalls pouring over them” – this is how Melville described the islands in 1846 and they have not changed to this day. An all-terrain vehicle will take you past hibiscus flowers and through thick coconut forests to Taipivai Valley*. Elaborate wooden and stone sculptures can be found in the jungle and in the village, reflecting the traditions and beliefs of the people of the Marquesas.

Sun, 02.02.2014

Atuona, 7.00 hrs – 12.30 hrs Hapatoni, 14.00 hrs – 19.00 hrs

Atuona/Hiva Oa/Marquesas Islands/French PolynesiaJust as the painter Paul Gauguin had done before him, the Belgian singer Jacques Brel also fell for the South Sea charms of the island. Both spent the end of their days here. If you visit the artists’ graves in the wildly romantic cemetery, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view over the bay.

Hapatoni/Tahuata/Marquesas Islands/French PolynesiaThe smallest island in the Marquesas is home to only about 650 people, who will give you a warm welcome to their village life. Spend a relaxing day experiencing their way of life and allow yourself to be infected by their joyfulness.

Mon, 03.02.2014

Relaxation at sea

Tue, 04.02.2014

Rangiroa, 8.00 hrs – 18.00 hrs

Rangiroa/Tuamotu Islands/French PolynesiaUnder the brilliant blue skies on a small coral island, a “vineyard” prospers – this unique natural wonder is made possible by the chalky soils made from dead coral. As well as fruity red and white wines, the atoll has plenty of other delicacies to offer. For this is the home of the shimmering black pearls*, whose secrets will be revealed on a visit to a pearl farm. The underwater world is also breathtakingly beautiful – go on a snorkel safari to the “aquarium” of the lagoon* or discover the coral gardens without getting wet by glass-bottomed boat*. With luck, you will be able to see parrot fish, moray eels and even white-tip sharks.

Wed, 05.02.2014

Raiatéa, 12.00 hrs – 19.00 hrs

Uturoa/Raiatéa/Society Islands/French PolynesiaAll routes begin here – this is at least true for supplies to the South Seas. This trading centre is still a sleepy little place, which is easy to explore on foot. The little Mont Orotaio watches over the town. Paths will take you through thick shrubs to the striking plateau, where you will be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view over the hilly island and Tupua Bay.

Moorea/Society Islands/French PolynesiaGreen volcanic hills rise above deep-blue bays – you are sure to have a splendid time on one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific. James Cook was entranced by Tahiti’s little sister, with its colourful flora and fauna. Take the time to enjoy the fabulous view over the coastline on a picnic* on the white sandy beach. With luck, you will see the majestic stingrays circling around the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. Take a closer look at the fascinating underwater world on a sailing trip by catamaran*, where your captain will take you to the best snorkelling sites to visit the coral garden. To get the best overview of this heart-shaped island in all its glory, take a jeep tour through the tropical island interior to the Belvedere viewpoint*. The view over the surrounding valleys and the shimmering turquoise waters of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay is unforgettable.

Papeete/Tahiti/Society Islands/French PolynesiaThe EUROPA arrives in Tahiti, the Island of Love, where you will enjoy your last evening under the Southern Cross – maybe you will decide to stay a while and prolong your holiday in the South Seas with a private travel arrangement*.

Fri, 07.02.2014

PapeeteTransfer to scheduled flight to Germany**

Sat, 08.02.2014

Arrival in Germany

* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject to changes. ** Depending on the flight schedule, a change to the travel arrangements regarding the cruise departure point may be necessary.

PRIVATE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS – FRENCH POLYNESIA

PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME A: HIGHLIGHTS OF MEXICO CITY

HOTEL LANDHAUS WACHTELHOF: 2-DAY CRUISE ARRANGEMENT “ATLANTIC”

Vitality at Sea: The centre of modern Mayr medicine

On land, all your senses are inspired by exotic fragrances and new impressions, on board you can discover time for yourself. 'VIVA - The Centre for Modern Mayr Medicine' can help you do this on cruise EUR1402. The managers of the institute, Dr Harald Stossier and Dr Christine Stossier, will provide basic diagnoses, health advice and a lecture programme on health and modern Mayr medicine. If you wish, the EUROPA executive chefs can serve you meals in line with the guidelines of the VIVA Mayr kitchen on this cruise.

Symposium at Sea: How does the market feel?

Share prices, rating agencies, currencies – they all fluctuate based

on their assessments of the economic situation and are often sensitive

to the smallest rumours, press releases or political decisions. Experts

in economics and science explain how psychology helps us to understand

the market and its reactions to the world in interesting presentations